Last week at Design ADAC, the local design community anticipated the region’s most celebrated annual design awards—the finale to a weeklong series of events. Chosen by VERANDA magazine’s editor in chief Dara Caponigro from over 50 applicants, the three winners of the Southeast Designers and Architect of the Year were honored in front of 500 industry peers at a gala last Thursday evening at ADAC.

And the winners are … Suzanne Kasler of Suzanne Kasler Interiors for residential interior design; Jo Rabaut of Rabaut Design Associates, Inc. for contract design and Bill Ingram of Bill Ingram Architect for architecture.

From left: Kasler, Ingram and Rabaut

“Close to 50 talented individuals and firms were considered for the awards, and it has been an honor to participate in selecting three winners from this remarkable group,” said Caponigro. “We are proud to present the work of Suzanne Kasler, who is the master of refined, but relaxed design; Jo Rabaut whose work in contract design is playful and sophisticated; and Bill Ingram’s elegant architecture that is balanced and modern.”

Each year, ADAC showrooms are asked to nominate firms and individuals from across the Southeast. The 2013 entries were submitted to Caponigro and her editorial staff. VERANDA’s team carefully reviewed and selected one winner for each category. The three winners will be featured in an upcoming VERANDA issue.

Guests of the awards gala mingle at ADAC

“VERANDA’s partnership in this annual celebration has both been able to define a new breed of talented individuals and heighten the prestige of this honor to a national level,” said Katie Belveal, ADAC general manager.

Stay tuned for EditorTV coverage of the celebration.